Does Suica work with Apple Pay?

To use a Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card with Apple Pay, you need: An iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus or later, or an Apple Watch Series 3 or later with the latest version of iOS or watchOS. You can also use a Suica card on an iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, or Apple Watch Series 2 that was purchased in Japan.



Yes, Suica works seamlessly with Apple Pay in 2026 and is the "gold standard" for navigating Japan's transit system. You can add a digital Suica card directly through the Apple Wallet app on iPhone 8 or later and Apple Watch Series 3 or later. This allows for "Express Transit" mode, meaning you don't need to wake or unlock your device—simply tap the top of your phone on the ticket gate reader. Recharging is done instantly within the Wallet app using any supported credit or debit card (Mastercard and American Express are generally the most reliable for international top-ups, as some Visa cards occasionally face regional blocks). For tourists, this eliminates the need to find a physical kiosk or pay the 500-yen deposit required for plastic cards. The digital Suica is also accepted at thousands of convenience stores, vending machines, and restaurants throughout Japan.

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Good news – both Apple Pay and Google Pay work in Japan, too. They're super convenient as they are most likely already installed on your phone. Keep in mind these are digital wallets, so you will need to add a payment method.

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Fortunately, both Apple and Android make it easy to create a mobile Suica or PASMO card through their phone wallet apps. For more information on traveling in Japan, be sure to check out our comprehensive articles, from English-speaking travel agents, to the best places to hike, ski, camp, and more.

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Recharge the Suica The Suica can be loaded and used as many times as desired. The Suica can be loaded up to a maximum of 20,000 yen at Automatic Ticket Vending Machines and Fare Adjustment Machines displaying the Suica mark. Only yen may be used to load a card. A credit card cannot be used to load a Suica.

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Each person needs one. Pasmo/Suica is read when touching the IC card reader upon entering and exiting a gate, and the correct fare is deducted from the card. The same card cannot be read entering twice at the same station.

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Did you know that you can charge your SUICA at Seven-Eleven?

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Travellers flying in from Narita or Haneda International Airport can purchase a Suica card easily at JR East Travel Service Centers. You can also buy a prepaid Suica card from ticketing machines at major JR East train stations and JR Ticket Offices (Midori-no-madoguchi).

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Generally there is no need to buy Japanese yen in your home country before your trip, as you will most likely pay a higher commission (about 3%) and a worse exchange rate than you would get at the airports, banks, or ATMs in Japan. There are three ways to obtain yen in Japan for approximately 1% cost.

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Smart cards like Icoca, Suica and Pasmo are generally valid across Japan, so don't worry about which one you buy. You can use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica for all trains, subways and buses in Osaka.

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If your Welcome Suica card stops working Your card may not have processed properly the last time you used it at a automatic ticket gate. You have used a station outside the Suica area, and your card need to be adjusted.

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You can keep your Suica card for your next trip. It will remain valid for 10 years. The Suica cards we offer are non-personal and are reserved for adult travellers.

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The Suica can be loaded up to a maximum of 20,000 yen at Automatic Ticket Vending Machines and Fare Adjustment Machines displaying the Suica mark. Only yen may be used to load a card. A credit card cannot be used to load a Suica.

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Recharge the Suica The Suica can be loaded up to a maximum of 20,000 yen at Automatic Ticket Vending Machines and Fare Adjustment Machines displaying the Suica mark. Only yen may be used to load a card. A credit card cannot be used to load a Suica.

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